# Letter 407: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to Antony Harlowe, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa writes a remorseful letter to her uncle Antony Harlowe, apologizing for her previous pert letter and defending her sincerity. She expresses sorrow for her fall but insists on her innocence except for the involuntary elopement. She refuses to answer a shocking question posed by her family, hinting that time will provide the answer. She clarifies she sought only a blessing, not restoration or financial support, and laments the harsh treatment she receives despite her penitence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Female Agency and Virtue

Clarissa asserts her innocence and moral integrity despite her family's condemnation, defending her virtue and sincerity.

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Clarissa seeks a blessing from her family but is met with harsh reproach, highlighting the tension between duty and her independent plea for forgiveness.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Writes a penitent letter to her uncle, defending her sincerity and innocence while expressing sorrow for her faults.

### Antony Harlowe

Recipient of the letter; Clarissa apologizes to him and addresses his harsh reproaches.

### Mrs. Harlowe

Mentioned as the mother to whom Clarissa wrote, though her application brought reproach.

### Arabella Harlowe

Referred to as Clarissa's sister; Clarissa wishes her continued happiness and merit.

### James Harlowe Jr.

Mentioned as Clarissa's brother; she prays for God to forgive him and protect him from his violent temper.

## Key lines

> The fall of a regular person, no doubt, is dreadful and inexcusable. It is like the sin of apostacy.

The downfall of someone who was once virtuous is terrible and unforgivable, akin to renouncing one's faith.

_Clarissa compares her own fall to apostasy, emphasizing the gravity of her transgression in her family's eyes._

> A little time, a much less time than is imagined, will afford a more satisfactory answer to my whole family, and even to my brother and sister, than I can give in words.

Soon, sooner than expected, time will provide a clearer answer to my family's questions than any words I could offer now.

_Clarissa cryptically hints at her declining health as the ultimate proof of her innocence._

> I have no wilful crime to charge against myself: no free living at bed and at board, as you phrase it!

I have no intentional sin to confess; I have not lived licentiously as you accuse me.

_Clarissa denies the accusation of willful immorality, defending her conduct despite her elopement._

## Links

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